Parenting
Avoidance Masked As Intellect
Q: Our son is a gifted perfectionist. Because of this, he’s able to construct justifications for avoidant behavior when preparing for the job market. “Other kids have more AP credit, and they are more competitive applicants for research positions.” or “I need to get more credits in my major before I can apply for an…
Helping Parents Navigate the Challenges of Raising Kids Today
Parenting has always come with challenges, but raising children in today’s world can feel overwhelming. Between the pressures of social media, the prevalence of substances like marijuana and alcohol, and the constant stream of conflicting parenting advice, it’s no wonder that so many parents feel anxious, uncertain, and even self-critical. In fact, if you asked…
How My Therapist Mom Helped Me Understand Mental Health
My friends think it’s amazing that my mom is a therapist. They assume she can fix everything with a quick conversation or a couple of probing questions. To our generation, mental health is extremely important. Everyone is looking for advice on how to feel better, get over a breakup faster, or navigate friendships when something…
Why Limiting Smartphones and AI in Middle School Is Worth the Fight
As parents, we all know how quickly childhood changes, especially during the middle school years. Although learning to navigate a bigger school and multiple teachers grabs our attention, under the surface, quietly, the refinement of social skills, the development of identity, and the management of emotions take center stage for them. New research shows that…
The Gen Z Stare Is Real. It’s a Problem. And It’s Largely Our Fault.
Have you all been following TikTok’s so-called “Gen Z stare?” We need to see this as something more than a passing internet fad. We need to take it seriously. The vacant, slightly contemptuous, silent stare when spoken to isn’t just rude, it’s a sign of a serious, larger issue. Researchers are seeing similar behaviors: decreased…
Five Things Your Teen Daughter Wants You to Know
“Mom…I am listening (as my eyes are darting back and forth between my text messages, the watermelon game, and social media).” I feel like this interaction happens between my mom and me almost daily. Can you relate? Teen girls are in a beautiful, complicated phase of life. We’re growing into who we are and,…
Advice Column: Bonding with my quirky kid
Q: My child is kind of quirky, artistic, and wonderfully unique, but lately, we’ve been butting heads or drifting apart. I want to be supportive, but sometimes, I just don’t get them. How can I improve our relationship? A: You’re not alone—many parents of creative, outside-the-box kids face this challenge. Children who are “quirky”, artsy,…
Advice Column: My Daughter’s Not Invited to the Party
Q: My daughter, 5, was not invited to our neighbor’s daughter’s birthday party. I’m hurt and confused. We are pretty friendly toward one another, and the kids have played together a few times without incident. I want to ask the mom about this, but my husband thinks I should just “let it go.” What should…
When Your Caregiver Is Also Your Captor
What Serena and June Teach Us About Attachment Trauma We don’t need to be trapped in a dystopia to feel trapped by someone we once depended on. In The Handmaid’s Tale, June and Serena’s relationship is often framed as a political or moral battleground. But beneath the drama of Gilead’s theocracy, there’s something more intimate…
Tackling Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues in Teens
Addressing self-esteem and body image concerns among teenagers is crucial for their mental health and development. Here’s how parents and caregivers can help: Encourage Open Communication Foster Dialogue: Create a safe space for teens to express their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more. Listen Actively: Pay attention to their…
It's not an easy time to be a kid. Perhaps it never is, but now it's especially true. Let us help you understand and support your child's needs.
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Are you looking to make some aspect of your otherwise good relationship better? Maybe you’ve tried all the strategies that make sense to you.